The Stream

The Center for Marriage Policy

Sunday, September 7, 2008

New England Patriots quarterback did not play in the NFL pre-season due to an injured right foot.

In the season opener today against the Kansas City Chiefs, his foot was fine. His left knee was another matter altogether.

At 7:27 of the 1st quarter, Brady got clipped on the left knee after attempting a pass to Randy Moss. He had to be helped off the field. Not good.

But backup QB Matt Cassel rose to the occasion. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 152 yards and threw a touchdown pass for a 17-10 victory over the Chiefs.

The Chiefs made it close when QB Damon Huard (Brady's one time back up in New England) threw a pass for 1st and goal with less than a minute in the game. But the Chiefs could not make the last five yards against the Patriots defense.

The extent of Brady's injury is not known. Of course, it is worth noting that Brady got his start 7 years ago when Drew Bledsoe got hurt in a early season game against the New York Jets. All Brady has done is lead the Patriots to 4 Super Bowl appearances, 3 Super Bowls and a 16-0 record last season.

But if Brady can't answer the bell, Cassel is going to have to prove himself. Next week the Patriots visit the Meadowlands where Brett Favre will make his home debut for the New York Jets. As I write this, the Jets just won their season opener against the Miami Dolphins, 20-14.

Matt Cassel might have been king for a day but can he rule a season? Only the next 15 Sundays will tell. And perhaps a Monday and Thursday thrown in the mix.